Everyone in the room had thoughts racing through their minds with frantic speed. Willow was proud that she had been chosen for an important task and Tara was just worried about Willow. Giles was mentally thumbing through his knowledge, searching for a precedent for a situation like this but could find none.

Buffy, brow furrowed in confusion, couldn't explain the terror growing inside her. It was as if a curtain was raising to reveal opportunities hidden until now and all she wanted was for it to be lowered again. Angel had realized that a reflection and heartbeat could mean one thing only and the knowledge was creating rage like the pressure that causes a volcano to explode.

"What else did the PTB's say? They must have an explanation for what you just showed us," Angel broke the silent contemplation of everyone by asking. Willow turned to Angel with a solemn look and said, "You will have a hard time hearing this." He snapped, "I'm a big boy so why don't you just start." She took in a deep breath and began, "I don't completely understand it myself so have some patience. The soul of a person who's been turned into a vampire doesn't go to heaven or to hell. I lingers on another plain of existence, like a ghost. The demon, or vampire occupying the body ties the soul to this world so it can find no rest or peace." She paused and turned to Angel asking, "Did I explain that concept sufficiently?" He nodded in confirmation. Willow continued, "Angel's soul was far away from Angelus so few of his human characteristics were present. Spike always has had moments of humanity, which is what the Judge meant when he accused him of reeking of humanity. I wasn't there but Spike knows what I'm talking about." Spike nodded and said, "Where is this going Red?"

"William has had a lot of influence over Spike through the years. He has been waging a battle, originally hoping for nothing better than destroying Spike and being released to what lays beyond. The first time Buffy entered to picture, William decided he wanted to re-enter his body and live because he fell desperately in love. He has saved Buffy from Spike more than once." Buffy looked genuinely surprised because it had never occurred to her Spike's crush could be based in William's love. "That chip the Initiative put in Spike's head allowed William to win more victories. It put a leash on the demon. Tonight the battle was won because the demon, feeling only half the love William feels for Buffy, felt regret for killing the other Slayers. This moment of regret created a weakness which William used to oust the demon."

A pregnant silence fell upon the group, being that they all were filled with questions. Buffy asked, "So part of Spike always was William?" Willow answered, "All the good things we have been seeing lately have been seeing lately have been glimpses of William." Buffy smiled and said, "Spike described William as a dork." Willow frowned as she answered, "That was the description of a demon who thought torture was cool. William was a good man who felt restrained by societal expectations." Suddenly Angel punched the wall and shouted, "Why him? Why do the PTB's keep punishing me?" Willow turned to him in sympathy and said, "Is that what you believe Angel? The PTB's didn't cause this to happen or control it in any way. I mean, I wouldn't have had to receive the vision if they had because they would have sent it to Cordellia and you would have known when you came to Sunnydale. However, now that it is done they have a task for you." Angel answered with a sarcasm, "Why doesn't that surprise me?"

Angel turned to Willow and asked, "What is ti the PTB's want me to do?" She answered carefully, "They want you to teach William how to live in this world as an ex-demon and to work around human frailties. You may not be human but you have had to adapt to this world, and you can teach him self-defense. Most importantly, you have to help him find redemption from the guilt that will engulf him." He winced and mumbled, "I'm really starting to dislike the PTB's," but then glanced over at the pathetic man on the floor and saw himself. He knew that guilt was a destructive force that ate a person alive and that he almost was lost because of having no one who understood what was happening. Spike's evil deeds should not influence how he treated William, so he had to do as the PTB's asked. While Angel understood all of this, he also knew that William loved Buffy and that made it impossible to do any of this in Sunnydale.

"Putting aside the fact that I have a life and people I love in L.A., I think nothing will work in helping William if he stays in Sunnydale. The only way I'll do this is if he comes back to L.A. with me." Buffy felt her heart leap into her throat and William looked as if he'd been kicked in the gut. "I spent all that time fighting just so I could touch...I can't leave now that I have won," William whimpered. Buffy jumped up and shouted, "You aren't being fair Angel. He doesn't know anyone in L.A., except you, so he'll have a hard time adapting. I could help and so could the gang if you stay here." William was watching her with utter fascination, finally saying in a hushed voice, "I can't believe you want to know me and keep me here after all I've done...Spike has done." Angel picked up on the confusion inside William and pointed out, "He doesn't know himself and if he stays here he will define himself by how he loves Buffy. Besides, Buffy and you all will need time to get used to the idea that this isn't Spike."

Buffy burst out in a spiteful rage, "You're just afraid I'll start loving him back!," but she softened when she saw the hurt in Angel's eyes. "I'm sorry I said that. It's just that I finally want to know him and you want to take him away. The men in my life always end up leaving . I want Spike to stay!" Buffy's eyes widened and her hand shot up to her mouth as she gasped in realization of what she had just said. She turned to William and they both gazed into each others eyes for the longest time. Both understood with absolute clarity now that Angel was right, even though it hurt them to acknowledge the fact. William stood up and put his hand on Buffy's cheek, gently rubbing his thumb up and down, and lovingly said, "Angel is right. I don't know myself beyond my love for you anymore. I don't have anything but confusion to offer you now."

Buffy struggled to contain all the new and confusing emotions inside her as she answered, "How can I get to know you beyond Spike if you leave?" He cocked his head to the side and smiled at Buffy saying, "I came back from the dead for you so I will come back from L.A. In the meantime, we will write each other...or even e-mail. This world offers a million ways to develop friendships over distances." William took a deep breath in and looked at Angel saying, "We'll leave right away," and then turned back to Buffy. "Give me a hug then luv and don't get too emotional. This isn't good-bye, it's so long." He held her for several minutes, dreading the moment he would have to let go. Finally he did and Angel and himself walked out the door. Buffy controlled her tumultuous emotions until William was out of sight and then she burst into tears. By Rachel Heney